Cardinal O'Hara brings home second state title in a 42-19 victory over Chartiers Valley in the PIAA 5A championship - PSD Photo by Ryan Nix
Photos/Videos: Ryan Nix & John Knebels
By: John Knebels
HERSHEY, PA – As Cardinal O’Hara’s student body enjoyed a recent dress-down day and awaits a promised school holiday thanks to their basketball team’s second straight state championship, they might want to send some thank you notes.
Hopefully, they won’t forget about sophomore Greta Miller.
When a team ultimately overwhelms an opponent the way O’Hara did in Friday’s PIAA Class 5A state final, a 42-19 romp over traditional powerhouse Chartiers Valley at the Giant Center, it’s difficult to find a turning point.
However, over a 6-minute, 21-second span from late in the first quarter to the middle of the second quarter, O’Hara went stone cold. Chartiers Valley rallied from an 8-0 deficit to an 8-8 tie, and the Colts’ fans responded with a boisterous ovation.
Miller to the rescue.
Taking a pass from senior Sydni Scott, Miller drilled a three-pointer from the left wing, and O’Hara never looked back. The trey ignited a 9-3 run into halftime, and when Scott and senior Maggie Doogan opened the third quarter with consecutive three-pointers, all intrigue evaporated.
“It felt amazing,” said Miller, who finished with six points and four rebounds. “I felt so proud of myself. I had all the emotions, but I knew I couldn’t celebrate. I had to get back on defense and keep playing my game.”
Thrust into the starting lineup for the state playoffs, Miller focused on playing good defense while avoiding low-percentage shots. When a team has talented scorers like Scott, Doogan, senior Annie Welde, and freshman Molly Rullo, there’s no need to force the issue.
“I know I always have to be ready to shoot it, so when I catch the ball, if I’m open, I gotta shoot it,” said Miller. “So I was open and it was like, ‘This is your time. You gotta shoot it.’
“We always do like 50 shots before practice. Coaches always emphasize shooting. They’re always helping me. I stay after practice to shoot around.”
O’Hara coach Chrissie Doogan, who became one of only four coaches to mentor a Catholic League championship and state crown in the same season, appreciates Miller’s approach.
“Gutsy,” said Doogan. “She’s a gutsy kid. She’s played her role tremendously. She doesn’t care if she gets one shot a game or six shots a game. She just wants to play at a really high level. She’s not afraid to do whatever.”
Miller and Rullo will spearhead next year’s team deprived of one of the state’s most talented trios. In their last game together, Doogan contributed a game-high 12 points, eight rebounds, five steals, and three assists. Scott struggled with her shooting, but she supplied eight rebounds. Welde added 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Chartiers Valley PIAA 5A Championship Highlights, Post Celebration and Commentary from O'Hara Principal Eileen Vice who delivers heartfelt sentiments to the 2-time state champs: Video by John Knebels & Ryan NIx:
Cardinal O'Hara receives their PIAA 5A Gold Medals - Video by John Knebels
O’Hara sophomore Greta Miller explains her approach on her huge 3-pointer in the 2nd qtr that regained the lead - Video by John Knebels
Coach Doogan assessed the three players most responsible for two state titles and one PCL plaque.
“Sydni will do anything to win,” she said. “She’s a winner and she wanted this one. She wanted another gold medal. Her shots weren’t falling, but we knew her shot would fall. And we knew she could create shots for other people, too. She’s a strong kid.
“Annie Welde never had a bad day in her life. The kid comes into the gym and smiles. She’s made Maggie’s job a lot easier the past four years. She helps with the rebounding and she helps with the big girl defense. They’ve been a really good duo.
“Maggie . . . I’m just happy for her. She put a lot of pressure on herself to lead this team to a PCL and another state championship. She wanted it. She went out and got it. I’m really proud of her. I don’t think it will sink in for a couple of weeks when we’re not going to they gym on Monday. And things like that.”
O'Hara seniors Maggie Doogan, Annie Welde & Later Sydni Scott reflect on their 2nd straight state title - Video by John KNebels
An elated Cardinal O'hara head coach Chrissie Doogan answers lots of rapid-fire questions - PSD Video by John KNebels:
O’Hara’s seniors indeed leave quite a legacy, especially Doogan. She and her mom are the first mother-daughter combo to win a state title twice. Two others have done it once.
“This season has been like a dream for me,” said Doogan. “Winning the PCL was a goal for us seniors, so winning that and being in that atmosphere was a once in a lifetime experience. Then, being able to fight through the state playoffs with everyone against us and winning back-to-back state titles just goes to prove how resilient we are. Leaving this legacy at O’Hara is such an honor, and I could not be more thankful for all the program has done for me.”
Added Welde: “Definitely as a team, this is something we all will be remembered for. I think back to where everyone started, especially back to November of this year, and I am so proud of this team. We had people step into roles that I know they didn’t see themselves in at the beginning of the year.
“This group is so special for a number of different reasons, all of which I think play a part into why people will remember us. Individually, when I think back to my time in high school, I will be so thankful for the success I had at O’Hara. I have gotten much more out of O’Hara basketball than I ever could’ve imagined. The three championships in particular sum it all up, and I think that is how most people will remember us when we leave.
“However, although we may not be remembered for them, the moments we shared leading up to these three championships are also something I am so lucky to have had.”
In a post-game interview with Doogan and Welde, the seniors invited Scott to join them. The festive gesture served as a perfect sendoff after a sensational two-year run.
“I am so happy that I got to play with this team,” said Scott. “It brought out a lot of pride and joy that comes with it. Putting on an O’Hara jersey means something more than just playing to win.
“I play for O’Hara, my team, my family, and my coaches. I’m going to miss this team.”
(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.
